Grimmia lisae is a thermophilous species with a preference for subtropical coastal areas. In North America, it occurs along the west coast, from Vancouver Island south to Mexico. From that region, it has been described frequently as a new species. It is closely related to G. trichophylla, but is distinguished by somewhat shorter and broader leaves that are straight and appressed when dry and recurved to squarrose when moist, and by a reniform costa. Furthermore, it is characterized by a grass-green mid leaf areolation with small, rounded, frequently oblate cells with straight walls.